In an extraordinary press conference last week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) acknowledged that challenges to books in the state's school libraries are out of control. Over the course of the event, DeSantis blamed teachers, school officials, "random people," community members, "bad actors," and the media. DeSantis pointed the finger at everyone except for the person most responsible: himself.
He has created a dystopian state, an alligator with 2 heads and no tail. DeSantis and those who think like him never consider the repercussions from their actions. He wanted headlines for his Presidency and never thought beyond that. He isn't going to be able to leash this mess and does the GOP 21st Century line, blame everyone but himself. The Moms for Liberty stories could be tied into this as well for a larger picture of the Florida mess. Unfortunately both story lines carried into other states. I recall MSM praising DeSantis and his handling of COVID-19. He was the boy wonder on the cusp of the "new America" with book bans and declaring war on Disney and "what pandemic?"
The MSM praising his handling of Covid? I hope that was sarcasm. The NYT had stories about how bad he was handling the pandemic. At one point Florida led the world - yes, the world, not just the U.S. - in Covid deaths. That statistic lasted for 2 weeks.
Yes, they did praise his handling of the pandemic because he opened all the schools, restaurants, and other places of business way before any other state. No matter that many people died. The businesses were happy to make money.
Yes, there was some of that - mostly about the schools I believe. That remains a thorny subject in much of the country. The rosy COVID numbers FL put out turned out to be unreliable. He got a lot of flack for that, how the vaccines were doled out and his not-so-marvelous head of public health. So on balance, I believe he got much more criticism than praise.
DeSantis is a bad actor- meant in any way it applies… lifts in his shoes, fake smiles and twisting himself in knots to rescue his flailing career with every perceived change in the wind. He’s paying a price he richly deserves.
Thank you for all the great work. Glad my subscription renewed this weekend!
Does anyone else see his similarities with Tucker Carlson? ....that shrill fake laugh, and "go to" expression of catatonia? Hmm, DeSantis probably emulated Tucker because he was SO popular!
PS. Thank you, Judd and Pop info staff, for your excellent journalism. I got so steamed up over seeing DeSantis' stupid face again, that I forget to say Thank You!
DeSantis has no chance nationally. Let us hope he is burning his bridges locally too. When are the people of Florida going to look for better, saner representation?
I have read and know of 2 instances where Evangelical and Far right individuals in bluer states are selling out and moving to FLA to be with the like minded. The Villages come to mind as an example of the like minded. My guess is, if you are a normal parent with your child's best education opportunity in mind, you likely are not moving there.
I did talk both of my nephews out of going there. Both have professional aspirations that are tied to Florida. One is doing doctoral work in Aviation engineering, but was also interested in Aerospace engineering, and he had done a paid internship there as an undergrad. The other, is in Chef school, and when a restaurant offers you opportunities you go. I am hoping that he can go elsewhere, but he may have to go there. So, I am hoping that DeSantis is ousted.
Yeah so where are those locals? There are some very smart Democrats in Florida, right? Aren't there any living smart Democrats in Florida? These are the Florida Democrats who run an ancient former Republican against Desantis? Get your alligator shit together, Florida Dems.
They banned Memoirs of a Geisha???? Real literature is no longer available for Florida kids? . . . And they “just” returned KIDS’ dictionaries? So Florida kids can’t spell, read, write or critically think . . . What a bunch of dunderheads. How are people supposed to raise themselves above the poverty line if they can’t even compete with other high school graduates, let alone prepare for college? Or, is that the point?
Worst of all, most of the complaints have come from just 11 people. By now you would think that school boards and administrators would be onto the scheme and simply toss complaints from these people in the trash. But courage seems to be in short supply in Florida. When the backlash comes, and it will come (perhaps when Florida kids can't get into an out of state college because their Florida HS diploma is rejected as an adequate credential), it will be severe.
Just as the Republicans want it. Another generation of ignorant proles who can be convinced that it's the libs, the Dems, the immigrants and the brown people who are keeping them down.
True in every respect. He continued to call book bans “a hoax” even while seeking to make changes to the law. Somehow his AG (who wants to run for Gov) didn’t get the message. She filed an amicus brief supporting the law in 2 challenges using these arguments:
- “Florida’s public school libraries are a forum for government, not private speech.”
- “Public-school systems, including their libraries, convey the government’s message.”
Probably make it more difficult. In addition to limiting reading material & textbooks; issues with curriculum accreditation and college entrance exams. The new entrance exam goes hand-in-glove with the rest. It offers to FL colleges and universities (which out-of-state students might avoid) FL. students who are primed for the new version of FL ed.
It is telling that Rufo is/was an advisor for the new test; also appointed to the board of New College. Big qualifications include a Bachelor’s in foreign service; being a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute & director of their anti critical race theory project. (He is also on Substack “Leading the fight against the left-wing ideological regime. Over 81,000 subscribers”)
Only the Republicans would try to monetize their own mistake ($100 fine?) while at the same time totally rolling over basic taxpayer rights (only parents with a child enrolled are members of the school district that get to file a complaint? I’m no book banner, but that’s bad policy conceptually - school districts are accountable to the public, not just parents of currently enrolled students.) Instead of a silly unconstitutional bandage, just roll back your stupid law, Florida!
I don’t think it was considered a ‘mistake’ until it backfired. Now he doesn’t need them and it’s become headache. He isn’t admitting any mistake. This is how his AG who wants to be the next governor defended the law in court:
- Florida’s public school libraries are a forum for government, not private speech.”
- “Public-school systems, including their libraries, convey the government’s message.”
I don’t remember any objection to that from the now failed candidate for president who was the first to publish a video claiming he was sent by god to do the job.
Thank you Judd and team for your beautiful painstaking research, and for staying with this subject that we now all know a great deal about! We can choose to see a glimmer of hope that honest and fact-checking reportage is TRULY making a difference.
By the way, there ARE progressive, intelligent, and honest people living in FL and TX. And, DeSantis is proof that not all well-educated people (Yale History major, Harvard Law) have wisdom and discernment, or, a moral compass.
DeSantis knew EXACTLY what he was doing! His only followers are religious crazies! The Republicans are always screaming about their FREE SPEECH rights. But muzzling writers who wrote about people who have been ostracized by these same crazies didn’t raise the alarm until his campaign imploded and he’s receiving some just-desserts.
A perfect example of how dim DeSantis and his crew are - anyone who put a modicum of thought into what he was doing could see this coming. He fancies himself a Machiavelli, but likely couldn't spell it if prompted.
Oh KC you elitist, no one can spell anything any more and what is a Machiavelli anyway? Sounds foreign and communist if you ask me. I could Google it but I don't want to. (JK)
He has created a dystopian state, an alligator with 2 heads and no tail. DeSantis and those who think like him never consider the repercussions from their actions. He wanted headlines for his Presidency and never thought beyond that. He isn't going to be able to leash this mess and does the GOP 21st Century line, blame everyone but himself. The Moms for Liberty stories could be tied into this as well for a larger picture of the Florida mess. Unfortunately both story lines carried into other states. I recall MSM praising DeSantis and his handling of COVID-19. He was the boy wonder on the cusp of the "new America" with book bans and declaring war on Disney and "what pandemic?"
Good work over time by following this storyline.
The MSM praising his handling of Covid? I hope that was sarcasm. The NYT had stories about how bad he was handling the pandemic. At one point Florida led the world - yes, the world, not just the U.S. - in Covid deaths. That statistic lasted for 2 weeks.
(I edited the 1st sentence.)
Yes, they did praise his handling of the pandemic because he opened all the schools, restaurants, and other places of business way before any other state. No matter that many people died. The businesses were happy to make money.
Yes, there was some of that - mostly about the schools I believe. That remains a thorny subject in much of the country. The rosy COVID numbers FL put out turned out to be unreliable. He got a lot of flack for that, how the vaccines were doled out and his not-so-marvelous head of public health. So on balance, I believe he got much more criticism than praise.
Yes, Annette, he did. And people died because of it. That's why he failed as a candidate in any state outside of Florida. We knew the truth.
Michael, I think the "good work" was referring to Judd's close reporting on the Florida stories.
Florida man upset about the consequences of the law he championed.
Great headline
DeSantis is a bad actor- meant in any way it applies… lifts in his shoes, fake smiles and twisting himself in knots to rescue his flailing career with every perceived change in the wind. He’s paying a price he richly deserves.
Thank you for all the great work. Glad my subscription renewed this weekend!
Does anyone else see his similarities with Tucker Carlson? ....that shrill fake laugh, and "go to" expression of catatonia? Hmm, DeSantis probably emulated Tucker because he was SO popular!
And those white rubber boots. LoL
Religion + ignorance + malice = Floriduh (and some other locations of nuttery, i.e. Texas).
PS. Thank you, Judd and Pop info staff, for your excellent journalism. I got so steamed up over seeing DeSantis' stupid face again, that I forget to say Thank You!
Yeah, the heat, too, makes the brain soft.
DeSantis has no chance nationally. Let us hope he is burning his bridges locally too. When are the people of Florida going to look for better, saner representation?
Have you *met* people in Floriduh?
I have read and know of 2 instances where Evangelical and Far right individuals in bluer states are selling out and moving to FLA to be with the like minded. The Villages come to mind as an example of the like minded. My guess is, if you are a normal parent with your child's best education opportunity in mind, you likely are not moving there.
I did talk both of my nephews out of going there. Both have professional aspirations that are tied to Florida. One is doing doctoral work in Aviation engineering, but was also interested in Aerospace engineering, and he had done a paid internship there as an undergrad. The other, is in Chef school, and when a restaurant offers you opportunities you go. I am hoping that he can go elsewhere, but he may have to go there. So, I am hoping that DeSantis is ousted.
Yeah so where are those locals? There are some very smart Democrats in Florida, right? Aren't there any living smart Democrats in Florida? These are the Florida Democrats who run an ancient former Republican against Desantis? Get your alligator shit together, Florida Dems.
They banned Memoirs of a Geisha???? Real literature is no longer available for Florida kids? . . . And they “just” returned KIDS’ dictionaries? So Florida kids can’t spell, read, write or critically think . . . What a bunch of dunderheads. How are people supposed to raise themselves above the poverty line if they can’t even compete with other high school graduates, let alone prepare for college? Or, is that the point?
It is the point. College (or any schooling, really) isn't for Real Americans, because it might teach you how to see through MAGA BS.
They do what their parents do: read BS, believe BS, imbibe BS, spew BS and vote BS.
Worst of all, most of the complaints have come from just 11 people. By now you would think that school boards and administrators would be onto the scheme and simply toss complaints from these people in the trash. But courage seems to be in short supply in Florida. When the backlash comes, and it will come (perhaps when Florida kids can't get into an out of state college because their Florida HS diploma is rejected as an adequate credential), it will be severe.
And it will be too late for an entire generation of Floridian kids.
Just as the Republicans want it. Another generation of ignorant proles who can be convinced that it's the libs, the Dems, the immigrants and the brown people who are keeping them down.
Ignorance is strength.
Is that Orwell?
If only George Carlin were still alive !
Have some good news for you: Jon Stewart is back on (only) Monday nights on "The Daily Show"!
He won't acknowledge his own culpability in the matter. DeSantis is a heel in every sense of the word.
LOL!
Yes but a heightened and well-cushioned heel swathed in Texas cowhide.
True in every respect. He continued to call book bans “a hoax” even while seeking to make changes to the law. Somehow his AG (who wants to run for Gov) didn’t get the message. She filed an amicus brief supporting the law in 2 challenges using these arguments:
- “Florida’s public school libraries are a forum for government, not private speech.”
- “Public-school systems, including their libraries, convey the government’s message.”
This is what appears on the Governor’s website:
https://www.flgov.com/2024/02/15/governor-ron-desantis-debunks-book-ban-hoax-calls-on-florida-legislature-to-amend-the-law-to-prevent-abuse-from-activists/
Does anyone know if this has started affecting Florida high school students' acceptance rates to higher education outside the state?
It might be too early to tell, but I second to follow up on this.
Probably make it more difficult. In addition to limiting reading material & textbooks; issues with curriculum accreditation and college entrance exams. The new entrance exam goes hand-in-glove with the rest. It offers to FL colleges and universities (which out-of-state students might avoid) FL. students who are primed for the new version of FL ed.
It is telling that Rufo is/was an advisor for the new test; also appointed to the board of New College. Big qualifications include a Bachelor’s in foreign service; being a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute & director of their anti critical race theory project. (He is also on Substack “Leading the fight against the left-wing ideological regime. Over 81,000 subscribers”)
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/florida-state-colleges-may-allow-entrance-exam-favored-by-many-conservatives-2023-09-08/
Alternative Headlines:
Republican dog barks at car, chases car, catches car, realizes mistake and denies having anything to do with car.
Republican campaign strategy fails; supporters tossed under the bus.
Nice reporting, folks!
BTAM-precisely!
Ron who? Somehow NYTimes, CNN, etc., seemed to have missed that press conference. But we sure saw enough of him over the last year.
Only the Republicans would try to monetize their own mistake ($100 fine?) while at the same time totally rolling over basic taxpayer rights (only parents with a child enrolled are members of the school district that get to file a complaint? I’m no book banner, but that’s bad policy conceptually - school districts are accountable to the public, not just parents of currently enrolled students.) Instead of a silly unconstitutional bandage, just roll back your stupid law, Florida!
I don’t think it was considered a ‘mistake’ until it backfired. Now he doesn’t need them and it’s become headache. He isn’t admitting any mistake. This is how his AG who wants to be the next governor defended the law in court:
- Florida’s public school libraries are a forum for government, not private speech.”
- “Public-school systems, including their libraries, convey the government’s message.”
I don’t remember any objection to that from the now failed candidate for president who was the first to publish a video claiming he was sent by god to do the job.
Thank you Judd and team for your beautiful painstaking research, and for staying with this subject that we now all know a great deal about! We can choose to see a glimmer of hope that honest and fact-checking reportage is TRULY making a difference.
By the way, there ARE progressive, intelligent, and honest people living in FL and TX. And, DeSantis is proof that not all well-educated people (Yale History major, Harvard Law) have wisdom and discernment, or, a moral compass.
DeSantis knew EXACTLY what he was doing! His only followers are religious crazies! The Republicans are always screaming about their FREE SPEECH rights. But muzzling writers who wrote about people who have been ostracized by these same crazies didn’t raise the alarm until his campaign imploded and he’s receiving some just-desserts.
A perfect example of how dim DeSantis and his crew are - anyone who put a modicum of thought into what he was doing could see this coming. He fancies himself a Machiavelli, but likely couldn't spell it if prompted.
Oh KC you elitist, no one can spell anything any more and what is a Machiavelli anyway? Sounds foreign and communist if you ask me. I could Google it but I don't want to. (JK)